When it comes to side dishes, glazed carrots have a unique place in my heart and at my dinner table. They are not only visually appealing but also incredibly flavorful.
In this blog post, I’ll not only share how to make the perfect glazed carrots but also discuss why this dish deserves a spot on your menu. Whether you’re serving them alongside a holiday feast, a weeknight meal, or a barbecue, these carrots shine like a culinary gem.
Pairing Glazed Carrots
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about what to serve with these delectable carrots. Trust me; they complement a variety of main dishes. You can pair glazed carrots with:
- Roast Chicken: The sweetness of the carrots balances the savory flavors of the chicken.
- Grilled Steak: A good steak with these sweet jewels creates a delightful contrast on the plate.
- Baked Salmon: The natural sweetness of the carrots enhances the richness of the fish.
- Vegetarian Lasagna: A wonderful addition alongside any pasta dish.
- Braised Pork Chops: The sweet glaze cuts through the richness of the pork.
No matter what you choose, glazed carrots are versatile and will certainly enhance the dining experience.
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Why This Recipe is Great for You
I adore this recipe for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly simple and quick to make. In just about 30 minutes, you have a side dish that is not only easy to prepare but also bursting with flavor. The combination of sweet brown sugar and savory garlic creates a harmonious blend with the natural sweetness of the carrots.
Additionally, glazed carrots are healthful without compromising on taste. Carrots are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants. I love how this recipe transforms a humble vegetable into a star dish! You can easily indulge in this recipe guilt-free, knowing you are providing your loved ones with nourishment.
Now, let’s chat a bit about the ingredients and how each contributes to the final dish.
Ingredient Breakdown
- Carrots: I use fresh, vibrant carrots for this recipe. They should be bright orange and firm. The sweeter the carrot, the better the glaze turns out.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil adds richness and depth to the dish. I prefer using a fruity olive oil because it pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the carrots.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic packs a punch. It balances the sweetness and adds a delightful aromatic element.
- Brown Sugar: This deepens the flavor and gives the carrots a beautiful glaze. The molasses in the brown sugar works magic!
- Sea Salt: A touch of salt enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Lemon Juice: Adding acidity brightens the dish and complements the sweetness of the glaze.
- Thyme: Fresh thyme provides an earthy note. It’s one of those herbs that elevates various dishes.
- Butter: For richness. You can substitute with more olive oil if you prefer a dairy-free option.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle at the end livens up the dish with color and freshness.
Now that we have our ingredients sorted, let’s jump into the recipe!
How to Make Glazed Carrots
Step 1: Prepare the Carrots
First things first. Peel and trim the carrots. I usually slice them into uniform sticks to ensure they cook evenly. If you have baby carrots, you can use those too. You’ll still get fantastic results.
Step 2: Sauté the Carrots
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the carrots. Sauté them for about 5 minutes or until they begin to soften. This initial step really helps to develop flavor.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasonings
Next, toss in the minced garlic. The fragrance is heavenly! Sauté for another minute. Keep a close eye on it so the garlic doesn’t burn. Then, sprinkle in the sea salt and black pepper, followed by the light brown sugar. Stir everything well so the sugar coats the carrots.
Step 4: Add Liquid and Simmer
Pour in about half a cup of water (or vegetable broth) to the pan. This will create steam, which helps the carrots cook tender. Bring the liquid to a simmer and reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally until the carrots are tender.
Step 5: Add Butter, Lemon Juice, and Thyme
Once your carrots reach that soft tenderness, it’s time to elevate them further. Remove the lid, and stir in the melted butter (or more olive oil for a vegan option). Add lemon juice and thyme. The butter will help form a beautiful glaze as you stir everything together. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the glaze to thicken slightly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the glazed carrots before serving. This burst of green adds color and freshness. Serve the dish warm, and watch it disappear from the table in no time!
Recipe Notes
Ingredient Details
- Carrots: Choose firm carrots with a rich color. Organic carrots are always a plus if you can find them.
- Olive Oil: Look for extra virgin olive oil for a robust flavor. It truly makes a difference in the overall profile of the dish.
- Brown Sugar: The flavor is richer than granulated sugar. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try maple syrup as a substitute for a slightly different taste.
- Butter: While butter adds flavor, feel free to replace it completely with olive oil if you want to keep it plant-based.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Glazed Carrots: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a lovely heat.
- Ginger Glazed Carrots: Incorporate freshly grated ginger for an Asian twist.
- Honey Glazed Carrots: Substitute honey for brown sugar for a floral sweetness.
- Balsamic Glazed Carrots: Drizzle balsamic vinegar at the end for a tangy zing.
Conclusion
Glazed carrots are more than a side dish; they’re a celebration of simple ingredients coming together in a wonderful way. Through this journey, I’ve shared my heartfelt appreciation for what these bright, sweet vegetables can do on your plate. The preparation is straightforward, the flavor is outstanding, and the satisfaction it brings is incomparable.
By making glazed carrots, you’re not just preparing food; you’re creating moments of enjoyment around the dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for your family, entertaining friends, or simply treating yourself, glazed carrots are a dish worth mastering. So grab those carrots and let’s get cooking! You won’t regret it.
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Glazed Carrots Recipe – Cheap Delicious Meals
Description
When it comes to side dishes, glazed carrots have a unique place in my heart and at my dinner table. They are not only visually appealing but also incredibly flavorful.
In this blog post, I'll not only share how to make the perfect glazed carrots but also discuss why this dish deserves a spot on your menu. Whether you're serving them alongside a holiday feast, a weeknight meal, or a barbecue, these carrots shine like a culinary gem.
Ingredients
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Carrots
-
First things first. Peel and trim the carrots. I usually slice them into uniform sticks to ensure they cook evenly. If you have baby carrots, you can use those too. You’ll still get fantastic results.
Step 2: Sauté the Carrots
-
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the carrots. Sauté them for about 5 minutes or until they begin to soften. This initial step really helps to develop flavor.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasonings
-
Next, toss in the minced garlic. The fragrance is heavenly! Sauté for another minute. Keep a close eye on it so the garlic doesn’t burn. Then, sprinkle in the sea salt and black pepper, followed by the light brown sugar. Stir everything well so the sugar coats the carrots.
Step 4: Add Liquid and Simmer
-
Pour in about half a cup of water (or vegetable broth) to the pan. This will create steam, which helps the carrots cook tender. Bring the liquid to a simmer and reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally until the carrots are tender.
Step 5: Add Butter, Lemon Juice, and Thyme
-
Once your carrots reach that soft tenderness, it's time to elevate them further. Remove the lid, and stir in the melted butter (or more olive oil for a vegan option). Add lemon juice and thyme. The butter will help form a beautiful glaze as you stir everything together. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the glaze to thicken slightly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
-
Finally, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the glazed carrots before serving. This burst of green adds color and freshness. Serve the dish warm, and watch it disappear from the table in no time!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 5
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 24kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 0.8g2%
- Saturated Fat 0.2g1%
- Sodium 33mg2%
- Total Carbohydrate 4g2%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 1g2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Ingredient Details
- Carrots: Choose firm carrots with a rich color. Organic carrots are always a plus if you can find them.
- Olive Oil: Look for extra virgin olive oil for a robust flavor. It truly makes a difference in the overall profile of the dish.
- Brown Sugar: The flavor is richer than granulated sugar. If you're feeling adventurous, you can try maple syrup as a substitute for a slightly different taste.
Butter: While butter adds flavor, feel free to replace it completely with olive oil if you want to keep it plant-based.
